The East Lancashire Railway

The East Lancashire Railway

The East Lancashire Railway
4.5
Rail ServicesScenic Railroads
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Located in Bury, just 30 minutes from Manchester City Centre, is the award-winning East Lancashire Railway. A heritage railway that runs steam and diesel train services through the beautiful Pennine Lancashire scenery. There are plenty of things to see and do and stations are well equipped for group visits with cafes, pubs, gift shops and a dedicated Transport Museum, housing vintage vehicles, transport memorabilia and interactive exhibits. Guided tours and talks are also available. The railway also has some fantastic events scheduled throughout the year from guided Rail Ale Trail tours of some of the excellent local drinking spots to the nostalgia of their award winning 1940's weekend. Looking for something a little different? Why not indulge in a luxury steam train hauled dining experience on board Orient Express style carriages, learn to drive a train or get snap happy with a Photography Course?
Bury, Greater Manchester, England

Awards
Travellers' Choice
2023

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(135 reviews)
(148 reviews)
(27 reviews)

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles2,188 reviews
Excellent
1,710
Very good
298
Average
72
Poor
37
Terrible
71

Ryan
1 contribution
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Friends
I visited for the legends of steam event and was somewhat appalled at the over the top behaviour of the security staff shouting at people and walking in front of everyone when people were trying to get pictures. No one was close to the edge of the platform it felt more like riot control than a heritage railway experience! I will be in two minds about visiting for future events if this is the way it’s going to be!!
Written 17 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Ryan Thank you so much for taking the time to highlight just how seriously the East Lancashire Railway takes the safety of all our visitors. The event you attended was a popular event and safeguards were put in place to make sure all our visitors and staff could attend in a safe and controlled manner. I would also like to thank you for highlighting the role of our, volunteer Event Support Team and the role they perform at our events. Not only do they make sure the platforms are safe they also provide first aid coverage for all our events. The East Lancashire Railway takes the safety of all customers and staff seriously and i want to thank you for highlighting this to us and future readers of your review . We hope to welcome you and others back to future events with the knowledge that every effort is taken to ensure your safe attendance.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

StAnnes1983
Lytham St Anne's, UK68 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Family
We had a wonderful day at the legends of steam event. The event was really well organised and the children enjoyed the day.
Written 17 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Chris W
13 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Family
We have had a great time at the East Lancashire Railway today. Its a national treasure in my opinion. It must take a massive amount of organisation and hard work to make the whole experience so very enjoyable. Thank you to all of them. We hope to return soon.
Written 15 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

chris s
Hyde, UK6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Couples
Booked for the Valentines fine dining.
Started from Bury at 19.30 glass of Presecco on arrival and live music on the platform.
On boarding the train it was very clean and tidy and the staff where really polite and friendly.
Great selection of alchol and sot drinks to order (at extra charge reasonable prices)
The meal was 4 course and have to say was some of the tastiest food I've eaten and was very well presented.
The waiter's/ waitresses where very friendly.
The journey itself was between 4 stations with 2 stop offs to allow engine to change position.

All in all it was a great experience and good value for money, will definitely do another event.
Written 22 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for taking the time to post us a review. I am thoroughly pleased you enjoyed your experience with us and if you would be so kind as to post your review on our page I would be very grateful. Just search for 'Dining with Distinction'
Written 29 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Jeni C
Manchester, UK11 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Family
I booked the Lancastrian Lunch for my parents, Aunt and Uncle - they had such a wonderful day that they asked me to leave a review. They came home absolutely buzzing with what a fabulous time they had, from the lovely food to the friendly and welcoming staff - they truly couldn’t recommend enough!
The staff were brilliant, the train looked beautiful and the food was outstanding.
Written 19 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for taking the time to post us a review. I am thoroughly pleased you enjoyed your experience with us and if you would be so kind as to post your review on our page I would be very grateful. Just search for 'Dining with Distinction'
Written 29 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Far_n_Wide_Back
Manchester57 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Couples
We travelled with the ELR for ‘Burns Night’. From start to finish it was exceptional. The welcome at the station was warm and genuine, the bag pipes were brilliant, the carriage was stunning and the food was perfect. The bar steward was attentive and polite. We also had a ‘carriage steward’ who kept tables ‘entertained’. Can not recommend this experience highly enough.
Written 6 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for taking the time to post us a review. I am thoroughly pleased you enjoyed your experience with us and if you would be so kind as to post your review on our page I would be very grateful. Just search for 'Dining with Distinction'
Written 29 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Sam B
Manchester, UK45 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Couples
This is the second year we have been a few days before Christmas Day for our wedding anniversary on one of the festive dinners. The cost this year was £75 pp.

We really enjoyed the experience. The train leaves at 7:30pm so we arrived early to have drinks at the Trackside and sat outside watching them prepare the train.

The starters were already placed when we sat down, our meal began with soufflé followed by soup, turkey roast dinner, dessert and then mince pie and coffee. Other than the main where the meat was dry and the veg all boiled reminding me a little of school dinners and not fine dining, the quality was good. The food was nicely spaced throughout the whole train journey giving time for relaxing and enjoying the train ride.

There seemed to be some difficulties with the music this year with it going on/off throughout the trip which was a bit of a shame. However the train was fully booked and had a nice background atmosphere of people chatting and enjoying themselves.

The staff were attentive and worked hard throughout the journey.

Overall a lovely evening out.
Written 13 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for taking the time to post us a review. I am thoroughly pleased you enjoyed your experience with us and if you would be so kind as to post your review on our page I would be very grateful. Just search for 'Dining with Distinction'
Written 29 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Jonny S
Burnley, UK5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Family
Well this is the second year on the bounce where the family have descended to the East Lancashire Railway to have a ride on the Santa Special and the East Lancashire Railway HAVE delivered again!

As an extra special treat, we went on the last train on Christmas Eve. The platform was wonderfully decorated with stuff to see and look at. Live entertainment on the platforms with lots photo opportunities.

Children loved the actors who all made the kids feel very inclusive into the feastive magic. The volunteer staff were also great by allowing the kids to see the steam locomotive, guard compartment and the diesel cab.

On board the Santa train was decorated very nicely with Christmas music playing. Nice and warm with plenty of room!

The children and adults all loved the song along and brass band and of course meeting the big man. Presents were all very good and the bag is of a good quality which can be used for PE equipment throughout the year. We were very pleased how long Santa spent with each child making their day something to remember forever!

In conclusion, both adults and kids really enjoyed their ride out and we will certainly be booking again for 2024!!!!
Written 24 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Family
It is over twenty years since I took this beautiful festive steam train journey with my children.
Today I took the journey with my children once again, but this time as adults, and with their beautiful children.
It was even more special than we remembered.
I take my hat off to the volunteers and staff who worked so hard to make our journey something to cherish in our hearts forever. There were ice queens, princesses, elves, story tellers, singing Christmas trees, a polar bear choir, reindeers, a drummer boy, the wood cracker, a singing oak tree, Santas letter box, Mrs Christmas, a sleigh to sit in, a log cabin surrounded by animals, lollipops, a brass band, colouring books, Santa and of course presents. Not to mention a sneaky Baileys and vegan mince pie on the train journey for the adults!
Those things were all included in the price of your ticket, but you could buy snacks, soft drinks, coffee and mulled wine on the platform too.
It was just an amazing and enchanting experience and one we will all hold as a special memory always.
I highly recommend you do this if you have children or grandchildren. You won’t be disappointed.
Thank you to everyone at the East Lancashire Railway!!
Merry Christmas!!
Written 24 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sue1775
Bolton344 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Family
Arrived at 8.55am for our 9.30 train. Bit of a nightmare with parking next to the station as had to download the app as no change.
The station is magical and the characters so friendly.
My 4 year old loved the experience from the band on-board to santa. Definitely recommend as a one off. Worth the money
Written 24 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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THE EAST LANCASHIRE RAILWAY (Bury) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go